Clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of patients with spontaneous renal artery dissections

The natural history and optimal management of spontaneous renal artery dissections (SRADs) are poorly understood. We compared baseline characteristics, presentation, management, and outcomes between patients with symptomatic versus asymptomatic SRADs.

We performed a retrospective review of medical charts for patients diagnosed with SRAD at a single, tertiary care center. Patients were identified using billing codes. Patient demographics, medical history, clinical presentation, treatment, and follow up were recorded. We compared patients based on presence or absence of symptoms at the time of SRAD diagnosis.

A total of 125 patients were included; 73 (58.4%) patients had symptoms at the time of SRAD diagnosis. Symptomatic patients were younger at the time of diagnosis (47.4 vs. 54.3 years, p = 0.008) and more likely male (74.0% vs. 44.2%, p = 0.005). Most patients received medical therapy (93.2% vs. 82.6%, p = 0.32). Endovascular therapy utilization was low in both groups (8.2% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.9). Outcomes between the two groups were comparable; renal function remained stable, and mortality was rare.

Most patients who presented with SRAD were treated with medical therapy alone and usually experienced a benign course. Further studies are needed to understand the pathophysiology and natural history of renal artery dissections.